Claflin University

Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. Claflin University was founded in 1869 and is the oldest historically black college or university in the state of South Carolina. It’s nickname is the Panthers and Lady Panthers and the University is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Their colors are Orange and Maroon and their motto is The World Needs Visionaries.

History

Dr. Alonzo Webster, 1st President

Claflin was founded in 1869 by Methodist missionaries to prepare freed slaves to take their rightful places as full American citizens. It is the oldest historically black college or university in South Carolina

The University takes its name from two Methodist churchmen, Massachusetts Governor William Claflin and his father, Boston philanthropist Lee Claflin, who provided a large part of the funds to purchase the campus.

Dr. Alonzo Webster became the first president of Claflin.

In 1870 the Baker Biblical Institute merged with Claflin University.

Claflin granted its first diploma in the year 1882.

Campus

Claflin University’s 43 acre campus is located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, within walking distance of the recently renovated historic downtown. With a population of 92,000, Orangeburg has the friendliness of a small town but all the amenities of a big town including shopping malls, movie theatres, parks and modern libraries. Claflin University is 40 miles from Columbia, the state capital, where students have access to museums, a zoological garden, churches, the state house, the Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home, shopping, dining, and recreational activities such as canoeing, hiking, and fishing.

Our Students

Based on approximately 1,800 students enrolled: 40% are male and 60% are female.

From 39 SC counties, 24 States, and 15 countries.

Faculty

The faculty at Claflin University are highly qualified scholars in their respective fields. Nearly 80 percent of them have terminal degrees, and they have extensive teaching and research experience.

Full Time: 116, Part Time: 42

Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

Since 1996, four Claflin faculty members have been named Governor’s Professors of the Year in the state of South Carolina.

Academics

Claflin University’s 12 academic departments are housed in four Schools: School of Business Administration, School of Education, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

The University offers 35 undergraduate majors and three graduate degrees including the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Biotechnology.

Facilities

The mission of the H.V. Manning Library at Claflin University is to support and supplement the teaching-learning program of the institution at all levels.

The Library caters to the information needs of all learning programs including distance learning and continuing education.

The Office of International studies promotes and coordinates international study for Claflin University’s Students.

As part of its Leadership Development Program, the Office offers an 18-credit minor in Leadership Studies. Students are assisted with undergraduate research internship, UNCF and other scholarships.

The Financial Aid program at Claflin University attempts to remove financial barriers to students and parents by making every effort to meet the demonstrated need of all students to the extent funding will permit.